The Wilmingtonian., 1887-04-16
&0hn M. CLAYTON.


In the constellation OF brilliant and COM
prehensive craftsmanship history has un-
qualifedly recorded the name Of John M.
Clayton.
When but thirty-three years old john NJ.
Clayton WINS delegated by his native state
to represent her in the highest legislative
body in this oountry-when he entered the
Senate of the United states, he was the
youngest member of that august Assem-.
blage.
At that time Henry Clay,
Thomas II. B5nton, John @. Calhou
Robert Y. Hayne and Daniel Webster we're
in the Senate, and they were the master
minds of America; bat these men had no
terror for John NJ. Clayton, and in the very
first weeks of his senatorial experience, he
was found In mental combat with the very
able man, Robert Y. Haype.
His mastery arrsignment of Hayne. as
onished his friends and attracted tho stten.
i'm of all men in public life. HIS trans
cendental abilities marked him az leader
in the senate; and this position was never
afterward questioned.
John NJ. Clayton formulated the treaty
known as the Clayton Bulw eltreaty
Senator Seward in speaking of the Clay
ton-Buwer treaty, said, 'it was the good
fortune of John NJ. Clayton to link his own
fame with that great and stupepdous trans
action, and to win for himself the eternal
gratitude of future generations, not only in
| hnt In
divisions of the earth. The treaty is a bond
Of promise of peace and concord to all
nations, and it is an imperishahle monument
to the fame of Deaware's noble offspring. :"
Ex-Marshall McMullen in speaking to the
writer of his recoleetions of prominent
guished privilege to be near neighbor oi
Mr.. Clayton in his later years and his re
membranes ofhim are intensely interesting.
His simplicity of manner and his thought
full care for those with whom he assocat ed
endeared him to the hearts of his fellow.
citizens.
His friendship was as enduring ss time
and his magnetic influence was such tha,
his friends would ''do and dare" at bi.
pleasure.
Mr.. McMullen said that his wAs tn
archetype existcnce-that his was the grand
est, noblest form of manhood. Tha
. neithOr before nor since has he met ma
who possessed 30 many Of the element
= of true nobility az his unas8uming neighbo
/ john NJ. Clayton. s...
g We have been told bg those who polit
l. cally differed from him, that his method
n were 80 fascinating and his arguments s
" oogent that, even when political excitemer
was at fever heat, his opponents would fo
8 get their party ties-and would make h
u triumphal procession. His power wit
a the people was marvellously strong-anc
II to-day we have seen men with frosted head
,e have their eyes suffused with tears. as the
-e recounted the kindly offices Of their depa
,e ted friend.
s. Industry Lodge, No. Q, A. o. U. W., fee
i, ing that the memory Of such man as job
r NJ. Clayton should ever be kept green by IL
" citizens of Delaware, invited Hon. Joseph
" Comegys, Chief Justice of Delaware, pes
ID kinsman of that noble and distinguishe
X man, to deliver an address upon the lif
e. character, aud public services of John \
t. Clayton.
lie The Chief Justice has kindly consentt
ct to deliver said address at the Grand 0pe
ce House on Wednesday evening, May II.
or The general admission has been placed
IN the nominal figure of 25 cents, so as to q
f. courage a generous attendance and ii
he payment of an extra 10 cents will secure
y, reserved seat.
III Judge Comegys will perform his tas
I'd with an affection and with a completene
" worthy of his Ilustrions subject.